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Baked Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Mac and Cheese, featuring a rich and creamy cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked macaroni, topped with a crispy golden breadcrumb crust. This classic dish has roots in 18th-century Europe and has become a beloved staple in American cuisine, often associated with family gatherings and cozy nights in. A true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and happiness to any table!
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- Macaroni
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups)
- Unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup
- Milk
- 2 cups (preferably whole milk)
- Cheddar cheese
- 2 cups, shredded
- Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup, grated
- Bread crumbs
- 1 cup (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- Salt
- to taste
- Black pepper
- to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
- Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese sauce to set slightly.
Dietary Information
Servings: 6 • Dish Type: Main Course • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 30 minutes • Calories: 400 • Fat: 20g • Carbs: 40g • Protein: 15g • Sodium: 600mg • Sugar: 5g